Open AccessEvaluating tank acclimation and trial length for dynamic shuttle box temperature preference assays in aquatic animals
Author(s) -
Adam Alexander Harman,
Meghan Fuzzen,
Lisa Stoa,
Douglas R. Boreham,
Richard G. Manzon,
Christopher M. Somers,
Joanna Y. Wilson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of experimental biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.367
H-Index - 185
eISSN - 1477-9145
pISSN - 0022-0949
DOI - 10.1242/jeb.233205
Subject(s) - acclimatization , coregonus clupeaformis , preference , fish <actinopterygii> , biology , fishery , environmental science , zoology , ecology , statistics , mathematics
Characterizing the thermal preference of fish is important in conservation, environmental and evolutionary physiology and can be determined using a shuttle box system. Initial tank acclimation and trial lengths are important considerations in experimental design, yet systematic studies of these factors are missing. Three different behavioral assay experimental designs were tested to determine the effect of tank acclimation and trial length (hours of tank acclimation:behavioral trial: 12:12, 0:12, 2:2) on the temperature preference of juvenile lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), using a shuttle box. Average temperature preferences for the 12 h:12 h, 0 h:12 h, 2 h:2 h experimental designs were 16.10±1.07°C, 16.02±1.56°C and 16.12±1.59°C respectively, with no significant differences between experimental designs (P=0.9337). Ultimately, length of acclimation time and trial length had no significant effect on thermal preference.